Oliver Wilson has held his nerve down the stretch to win his first career EPGA title as the world No.792 upset the field at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The 34-year-old Englishman, a losing player on the 2008 European Ryder Cup team, finally tasted victory on Sunday with a 72-hole total of 17-under par at St Andrews, after finishing runner-up nine times during his topsy-turvy career.

His compatriot and playing partner Tommy Fleetwood had a chance to send the tournament to a play-off but missed a 10ft putt for birdie on 18 to hand the emotional Wilson victory.

World No.1 Rory McIlroy and Scotland’s Richie Ramsey also finished one shot back along with Fleetwood on 16-under.

Scotland’s Chris Doak was alone in fifth a further stroke back, after a six under 66.

“I don’t have words for it, this has been 10 or 11 years coming,” said a tearful Wilson after his win.

“Nine-times runner-up, nothing had gone my way but I must thank the organisers because they offered me an invite to play this week and I’m very grateful.

“I’ve never been able to win a tournament but I tried to be patient today and Rory (McIlroy) was in front so I was keeping an eye on him and Tommy (Fleetwood) who played very well today.

“So many people had written me off which obviously hurt me but a lot of others believed in me and they know who they are. Thanks to all of them.”

Playing alongside his father Gerry, who was celebrating his 55th birthday and playing the pro-am with his son, McIlroy birdied the 18th to get within one but just came up short.

“If I look back, I probably lost it on those two holes, the first and the 17th but it was fantastic to play with my dad and for him to play St Andrews on his birthday was very special,” McIlroy said.